Merkur & Dovo HD 34C Safety Razor Chrome 8cm

At age 55 I now finally know what a close shave actually feels like. I’ve always used Gillette mach 3’s before, but with increased costs of cartridge refills and lower quality control, i felt the need for a more affordable alternative and I am far from disappointed by the change. First time using a DE safety razor and it was a doddle to use, there is no mysticism to using it, just shave, i used regular shaving foam without a brush and followed up with my regular balm and aftershave to finish. This razor feels natural in the hand, is the perfect weight and size and is very easy to control, no fuss, no cuts, just a smooth shave that actually leaves your skin feeling refreshed. The supplied blade is adequate, but I cant wait to try some more premium brands. If you’re standing on the fence about trying one, I highly recommend this Merkur, as soon as you open the box, you know you are holding a premium piece of equipment.

OK, so I don't usually write reviews but however I rely on them when making a purchase but this time I thought I will write something about my latest buy. I bought this as a birthday present, wife was at a loss at what to get me. This razor is well balanced, (you will notice the weight if coming from disposable razors) and gives you a nice, close shave. You have to be a little bit more careful as the angle of the blade is not what you have been used to but I didn't nick or cut myself. There are some videos on YouTube as to how to use double edge razors if it's your first time. I remember my Grandad using such razor and I do think that when one reaches a certain age you can spend a little bit more time and effort into your personal appearance! My next step is to invest in a nice badger's hair brush to make the most of my new razor. Pros: nice and weighty, lifetime built, cheaper to use than other (2, 3, 4 or 5 blade razors) Cons: in hindsight I should have purchased the longer handle razor (stubby hands and fat fingers), but it's a minor point To sum it all up? I think it's a very good buy, giving you a nice close shave and making wet shaving a experience to relish and enjoy, a must buy for any gentleman!

This razor feels lovely in the hand, and I found it much safer than other safety blade holders I’ve used. I have a slightly weak hand as a result of a stroke and find I can shave confidently without nicks or cuts. It also looks great and am expecting it to last a lifetime given the quality materials it’s made from. A great way to wet shave without any plastic involved.

Always used disposables before , but bought this on a recommendation from a friend . Quality bit of kit . Takes getting used to , but worth it . Gives a good shave & more shaves per blade than with disposables .

I purchased my first Merkur 34C HD Safety Razor in 1995. That was before online shopping was the norm and I purchased mine on a whim from a Men's store outside the Chancery Lane tube station in London. It was a revelation, and I have not used another brand of Razor since. I have purchased a couple of other Merkur Razors subsequently, but I still have my first 34C and use it regularly. I have had to replace the top plate and screw mechanism which had worn with age, but Merkur are great at providing spares, and my old razor is still providing me with a clean shave of a morning. It is a lovely piece of Kit, and well balanced and I am very pleased that I spotted it in the window of that shop those many years ago.

I've been using double edge razors for a few years now, starting with a basic plastic wilkinson model. This particular razor is solid in comparison and much more comfortable to use. The handle is rather short, but the weight is well balanced and I find it glides across the skin with ease and has not caused any cuts, irritation or burn. I find the shave is as close, if not closer, than using a mach 3 as the blade is directly in contact with the skin. The product is well made, comes apart easily for cleaning is definately something that will last me many years. I'm not overly keen on the Merkur blades that come with the razor. They are more single use blades in my opinion as they seem to wear out quickly. I use this razor with astra superior platimum coated blades, which, after trying several different brands, are the most comfortable for me. I've probably spent less than £10 on blades in blades over 5 years, significantly less than the £5 a month on mach 3 blades that I used to spend during my pre safety razor days.

So, after a couple of months of umming and ahhing, I finally made the jump to DE shaving and I'm so glad I did. If you're sick of forking out for cartridges, want to add a bit of class to your shave or just want a better shave, buy a DE razor! This is my first one so maybe I jumped in at the deep end with the Heavy Classic but I already love it. I've been using it for about two weeks and I've got my technique pretty much spot on now. At first I was alarmed at how short it is and wondered if an extension screwed into the bottom but it's so weighty and well made that it feels great in your hand in no time and I found myself wondering why I'd ever thought it was too short. You may feel a degree of trepidation over the exposed blade but it's called a Safety Razor for a reason, obviously take care but don't be scared of it. Whereas with cartridge shaves the moveable head means you don't need to alter the angle of the razor much, with DE it's all about the angle. After my first shave I wondered what all the fuss was about; one of my friends had recommended it, I'd read that they are the best shave you'll ever have and yet there I was far from clean shaven. The following morning I took my time and paid attention to the angle and came away knowing I'd made a great purchase. I'm in the Army so shaving is (excluding weekends) a daily occurrence for me. I'd recently started using Body Shop Macca root shave cream which is a superb, thick, velvety cream and it greatly improved my shaving experience, to coin a phrase, but I was still getting heat rash on my neck, something which has been completely banished with the DE. If like me, shaving is something you have to do regularly, do it well - get a DE razor; you'll enjoy shaving again. Get a good quality brush and a top notch cream, I would recommend the aforementioned Body Shop Macca root or Taylor of Old Bond Street. I bought a tub of the Lemon & Lime cream when I bought the razor and it's brilliant stuff and smells great. I also bought 100 Astra blades and so far appear to be getting 5 good shaves per blade. Also I would suggest buying some sort of pouch or case as the Heavy Classic doesn't come with one. Treat yourself.

I had previously used a variety of different (cheapo) safety razors in my quest for a cheaper and better solution to the cartridge razors of today. Each time I was extremely disappointed and did not "get it". I just could not seem to get a close and comfortable shave like all the reviews would advocate with the old fashioned razors. And then I got this razor and discovered what it was all about!!! Construction is very good and it feels like it will last a lifetime but is not as well finished as the EJ razors. But it shaves like a dream!!! The head, which is what differentiates it from all the other cheap junk out there is what allows this performance. The head is engineered to give a not very aggressive shave, but more importantly it allows you to find the correct angle very easily. I was amazed at how easy it was. Needless to say, I have abandoned all Sensor/Mach 3 systems. Am a full time convert to DE razor shaving!!!. Highly recommended!!! Apr 2012: I am no longer using this product. Have converted over the the EJ89s as they are much better and provide a smoother less aggressive shave. And they look much better too!!! For anyone starting out, I would recommend that they get the Edwin Jagger razors over this one.